Vascular Access

ReVask Center

Individuals obtaining dialysis treatment require dialysis access— either a catheter for Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) or a vascular access for hemodialysis. Unfortunately, patients may experience difficulty with access and a typical dialysis patient requires at least one access intervention each year.

Location Information

Your dialysis unit or nephrologist may refer you to the ReVask Center and make an appointment for your access issues. If you have questions, please contact our main office at (316) 263-5891 or 1-800-234-4565.

ReVask Center

How We Can Help

At the ReVask Center, the medical director, Dr. Wissam Saliba, and Wichita Nephrology Group physicians who specialize in interventional nephrology evaluate and manage access sites used for dialysis treatments. We strive to improve patient outcomes and exceed standards for quality of care.

Balloon Angioplasty

This procedure treats the most common access problem, which is narrowing (”stenosis”) of the access’s opening or of the blood vessel attached to it.

Declotting

If your access does stop flowing, it means that blood has clotted. This is treated with a procedure similar to angioplasty — the difference is that in addition to stretching the vessel wall, the blood clot within the access is removed.

Catheter Placement

If the access is clotted, it may be impossible to open it and restore blood flow. When this happens, the physician may need to insert a catheter until other arrangements can be made.

Your Appointment & What to Expect

Typically your dialysis unit or nephrologist will refer you to the ReVask Center and make an appointment for your access issues. Questions about the ReVask Center should be directed to the Wichita Nephrology Group at (316) 263-5891 or 1-800-234-4565.

When you arrive, a nurse will interview you and help you complete the necessary paperwork. Your access will be examined, your vital signs (e.g., blood pressure) will be taken and your medical history will be reviewed. This information is important in determining the best approach for resolving your access problem.

The physicians and nurses at the Center are specially trained to evaluate and manage dialysis access problems. They will work closely with your doctor.

The doctor performing the procedure will discuss with you the best choice of medications to make you comfortable during the procedure. Your treatment will take place in a sterile procedure room designed specifically to manage End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients and their access site issues. Generally the total evaluation and treatment can be completed using only one or two needles. Most procedures take less than 45 minutes.

After spending a short time in the recovery area, you will be given instructions for any required follow-up care. You will then be able to return home, or to dialysis treatment, and resume your normal schedule. A complete report will be sent to your doctor and your dialysis unit.

Questions or Need More Information?

Questions about the ReVask Center should be directed to the Wichita Nephrology Group at (316) 263-5891 or 1-800-234-4565.